PerpendicularVector Command

PerpendicularVector[ <Line> ]

Returns the perpendicular vector of the line.

Example:

Let Line[ (1, 4), (5, -3) ] be the line j. PerpendicularVector[ j ] yields the perpendicular vector u=(7, 4) of the line j.

Note: A line with equation ax + by = c has the perpendicular vector (a, b).

PerpendicularVector[ <Segment> ]

Returns the perpendicular vector of the segment with the same length.

Example:

Let Segment[ (3, 2), (14, 5) ] be the segment k. PerpendicularVector[ k ] yields the perpendicular vector u=(-3, 11) of the segment k.

PerpendicularVector[ <Vector> ]

Returns the perpendicular vector of the given vector.

Example:

Let Vector[ (-12, 8) ] be the vector u. PerpendicularVector[ u ] yields the perpendicular vector v=(-8, -12) of the vector u.

Note: A vector with coordinates (a, b) has the perpendicular vector (-b, a).

PerpendicularVector[ <Plane> ]

Creates a vector orthogonal to the plane.

Example:

PerpendicularVector[ xOyPlane ] yields the perpendicular vector u=(0, 0, 1) of the xOy plane.

CAS Syntax

PerpendicularVector[ <Vector> ]

Returns the perpendicular vector of the given vector.

Example:

• PerpendicularVector[(3, 2)] yields the vector {-2, 3}.
• PerpendicularVector[(a, b)] yields the vector {-b, a}.

Note:

See also UnitPerpendicularVector Command.